AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head
A-Frame vs AltspaceVR
A
AltspaceVR
AR/VR & Metaverse
Social VR platform for events and meetups
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: A-Frame requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation; AltspaceVR shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
- They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, AltspaceVR covers Event hosting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which A-Frame and AltspaceVR actually diverge.
| Attribute | A-Frame | AltspaceVR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | free |
| Platforms | Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices | Vr, Pc, Quest |
| Founded | 2015 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in A-Frame
- Declarative HTML
- Entity-component system
- WebXR support
- Cross-platform
- Three.js
- AR.js
- Physics engines
- Networking
Only in AltspaceVR
- Event hosting
- World building
- Avatar system
- Spatial audio
- Microsoft accounts
- Streaming
- Custom content
- Vr support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
A-Frame
- Virtual reality web experiencesnot AltspaceVR
- Augmented reality applicationsnot AltspaceVR
- 3D web visualisationsnot AltspaceVR
- Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot AltspaceVR
AltspaceVR
- VR Gamingnot A-Frame
- AR Marketingnot A-Frame
- Virtual Trainingnot A-Frame
- 3D Visualizationnot A-Frame
- Immersive Experiencesnot A-Frame
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
A-Frame
- Requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation
AltspaceVR
- Shut down permanently on 10 March 2023. Microsoft closed it to concentrate on Microsoft Mesh, and altvr.com now redirects to microsoft.com
- Microsoft acquired it in 2017 and the closure came alongside wider cuts, so there is no path back
- Mesh is aimed at business use rather than the consumer social VR AltspaceVR offered
Pricing, plan by plan
A-Frame
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.
AltspaceVR
Free- FreeFree
- Event hosting
- World creation
- Social features
Which should you pick?
Choose A-Frame if
- You need declarative html.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices.
- You also want entity-component system.
Choose AltspaceVR if
- You need event hosting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- You also want world building.
Questions people ask
- Is A-Frame or AltspaceVR better?
- Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and AltspaceVR at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, A-Frame or AltspaceVR?
- A-Frame starts at Free and AltspaceVR at Free.
- Does A-Frame or AltspaceVR run on more platforms?
- A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. AltspaceVR runs on Vr, Pc, Quest.
- Can I use A-Frame for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is A-Frame best used for?
- A-Frame is most often used for virtual reality web experiences, augmented reality applications, 3d web visualisations, interactive 3d content for web browsers. Of those, virtual reality web experiences and augmented reality applications are not what AltspaceVR is typically brought in for.
- What can A-Frame do that AltspaceVR cannot?
- A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. AltspaceVR covers Event hosting, World building, Avatar system, Spatial audio.